Dermabrasion, in the most simplest of terms, is a procedure that “sands” the epidermis (or top layer of skin). The object of this system is to do away with the upper most covering of epidermis that may have become dull or irregular, and instead replace it with a new, smoother, and younger looking covering. This approach has become widely accepted to do away with little wrinkles, scars, age spots, and also to diminish acne scars and pock marks. During the dermabrasion, you will be anesthetized, your top covering of skin will be frozen and an grainy agent, usually a rotating brush, will be used to flake off the frozen epidermis. The new skin is exceptionally sensitive, and there may be some pain associated with the healing process. While unusual, some dermabrasion disasters do arise, and in order to avoid any unsightly surprises, here is a list of questions to ask your doctor pre-surgery:
Your underlying covering of epidermis will be pink. For how long you ask? Well, you will want to avoid facing the world with an unusual looking pink visage, and so it is critical to know what to anticipate. Obviously, the pink color cannot be avoided, yet if it takes eight or ten week to regain your usual skin tone, this little bit of knowledge will go a long way to scheduling your procedure for a period that does not coincide with the family Christmas party, the company picnic, or the vacation to Cancun. The latter is singularly important since that new layer of skin is exceptionally sensitive to sun for almost three to six months, and also the biting winds of winter ought be avoided.
What are the side effects? Every surgery has its list of side effects, and dermabrasion is no different. As a matter of fact, these may include a darkening of the skin, scarring, infection, and even changes in skin color. Some of these side effects may only be temporary, but some may be permanent, and so it is vital to not only know about the risks of the procedure but also know how to obviate them or at least reduce the risks.
Is that normal? This is a question most frequently asked at two o’clock in the morning when a sleepless patient looks at herself in the mirror and wonders if the itching, burning, redness, or scabbing are indeed normal or the early warning signs of something gone wrong. Be certain to ask your specialist exactly what to anticipate, for how long to expect it, and to what extend it will materialize. For example, you will want to know just how red your skin will be. For how long will the scab be on your face, and when can you expect the burning feeling to cease?
Will tone change? It is true that tone may increase or lessen, leaving your skin looking darker or lighter when compared to the surrounding skin of the neck. While darker skin may be treated with bleaching creams, lighter skin will be there to stay and only time and controlled sun exposure may darken it a bit.
What are your credentials? You want to make sure you deal with a surgeon or professional who not only has the schooling to perform the procedure, but also comprehensive knowledge and background.
As you can see, even while dermabrasion is a worthwhile procedure that delivers promised results, it is in fact the deliberate damaging of the top layer of skin, and thus should be undertaken advisedly, and at the hands of a professional. Lamentably, it appears that the market is being flooded with persons who may have undergone a few classes, in some cases not even this is the case, purchased the necessary equipment, and are now underbidding the existing clinics to entice thrifty patients to come to them. Unfortunately, cut rate dermabrasion may also result in cut rate results, and the horror stories that are now circulating on the Internet and that may be seen on TV specials are only too true; please remember that your face is well worth the expense of experience, expertise, and extensive know-how! This is not the time to skimp, save, and pinch pennies.